Interested in Urban Design and how to make cities better for everyone? Read our other blogs to learn more. You can find all of our past blogs here!
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From Trading Path to Transit Mall to… ? The Life of Tryon Street
Walk down Tryon Street on any given afternoon and you are moving through one of the most layered landscapes in the American South. Glass towers reflect clouds overhead. A food truck idles near a mid-century bank facade. Somebody’s grandmother waits for a bus in the same spot where, a few centuries ago, a Catawba trader… Read more
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Love Note to the Queen City
This February, we’re sharing our love for Charlotte and the places that make it special. How you feel about your city depends on many factors—but most of them are tied to urban design! Well-being, belonging, and connection are amplified in public spaces, from streets to neighborhood coffee shops. Good urban design gives these spaces what… Read more
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Grant Opportunities Across Charlotte
This article provides grant seekers with a list of funding opportunities outside of the Urban Design Center that may align with their goals and needs for community projects. Please read each description to determine which grant might be the best fit for you. Read more
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Holiday Gifts to the Street: How the Season Reveals the Best of City Design
A kid obsessed with the Holiday Season For those that know me well, it’s no secret that I love the holidays. I was the kid that would watch old holiday movies like White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street every year (multiple times, too!) while members of my family would roll their eyes. That obsession… Read more
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Urbies 2025 Recap: Celebrating 5 Years of Urban Design Excellence
On Thursday, October 23, the City of Charlotte Urban Design Center, in partnership with the UNC Charlotte David R. Ravin School of Architecture and Charlotte Center City Partners, hosted the fifth annual Urban Design Awards, affectionately known as The Urbies. Held at the Urban Design Center’s South End Studio, the event brought together designers, planners,… Read more
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Welcoming the Newest Team Members to the Urban Design Center
The Urban Design Center is thrilled to welcome two new team members who bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a shared passion for shaping accessible and vibrant urban spaces. Dhanya Mamallan: Associate Urban Designer & Planner Originally from Chennai, India—a city known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban life—Dhanya brings a global lens… Read more